Voting 5 to 0, the Town Board Thursday night (May 5) approved a new zoning code for Philipstown, capping a process that stretched over three years of successive drafts, entailed widespread and sometimes raucous public debate, and began with a planning efforts 10 years ago. On an evening of congratulations all around and kind words even from former fierce critics, the Town Board received a standing ovation for its often-painstaking work in fine-tuning the 100-plus-page law. In turn, Supervisor Richard Shea, who spearheaded the initiative, expressed appreciation to the town’s residents for their attention and concern. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to thank just about everybody in the town,” he said shortly after the vote. “Without their input this document would’ve been so much less. “We’ve taken a big step forward in protecting the things we value most here.”
Immediately after the rezoning vote, the board voted to change the town’s Conservation Advisory Council into the Conservation Board, enhancing its role in resolving land-use questions. The actions came during the Town Board’s formal monthly meeting before an audience of about 50 at the Town Hall. [Philipstown.info is preparing full coverage of the rezoning and related developments. Watch for more, in-depth news in days to come.]
Photo by L.S. Armstrong
Town Board Passes New Zoning Code 5 to 0
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The headline should read: “Conservation Zealots Win Over Personal Property Rights 5 to 0.”
Congratulations to all the people of Philipstown on choosing to protect our common resources. Philipstown is a place where people care about the things that make us such a unique community; where we haven’t sold out to the pressures of over development. The reason so many people visit us each year and support our local businesses is because we have retained our authentic character by refusing to trade long term community health for short term gain. You don’t have to look very far to see the drastic consequences of uncontrolled development, both financially and environmentally. I’m privileged to be a member of such a great community.
Richard Shea
Phlipstown Supervisor